This year at Algonquin: a look back

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program was rolled out in November to allow technology to be incorporated into the curriculum more readily. Under the BYOD program, students have a device, whether school-issued or their own, with them at school every day. The school provides anywhere from 60 to 90 day loaners per day and has 50 long-term loaners. “[The loaner program] went very well,” li...

Students came together to put on a production of “Chicago the Musical” in December. The show, set in the Jazz era of the 1920s, featured the trial of Roxie Hart, played by freshman Sarah Boush, who struggles to escape a prison sentence after murdering her secret lover Fred Casely, played by Senior Nick Giurleo. The show’s comical element set it apart from previous musicals directed by Fine a...

The boys’ basketball team made it to Division 1 Central Final, where they lost 53-41 to Acton-Boxborough. “You always want to go as far as you can, but this is back to back District Finals for us, and that hasn’t happened at Algonquin ever in Division 1,” coach Brian Doherty said. For senior captain Sean Cullen, it was a memorable season. “I’m satisfied [with the season] because throug...

Algonquin tested two pilot schedules in December to search for a possible replacement to the current one. Although a new schedule will not be implemented this coming year, the two week trial period sparked conversations about schedules in general and especially the inclusion of Student/Teacher Enrichment Period (STEP) blocks, which were tested out in both of the pilots. “[The scheduling committees] were hoping t...

For the first time in seven years, the gymnastics team qualified for States. They placed sixth with a final score of 143.05. “We did really well at States,” senior Tessa McAndrews said.  “I think a few of our scores were definitely lower than they should’ve been which was really frustrating and unfair, but it happens to everyone...The goal wasn’t to win; it was just to go out there an...

The boys’ golf team won both the League and District Championships, with five out of the top six spots of the League Championship dominated by Algonquin players. Algonquin finished with a score of 321, beating out second place Westborough by nine strokes.  “I was more proud of this team than I’ve ever been,” senior captain Nick Hatton said. “The way we came out and played as a team a...

With a 12-0 undefeated season, the swim and dive teams were both league meet champions and Midland Wachusett League Champions. The teams also competed at states, where junior Lizzie Meschisen placed third in diving and senior Ray Cerro placed third in the breaststroke. Diving for only about three years, Meschisen is proud to see herself improve at States, getting eleventh place her freshman yea...

The String Orchestra performed at Symphony Hall in May after earning Gold at the Massachusetts Instrumental & Chorus Conductors Association’s (MICCA) festival in April. At MICCA, the ensemble was judged on tone quality, balance, blend and expression by a panel of college professors and professional musicians. “Stepping out onto the stage was like ‘wow,’ you could feel the difference be...

The winter play’s four-person award-winning cast tackled heavy issues with “Proof,” a show about relationships, mental health and loss. “It gave student actors an opportunity to do something that they don’t sometimes get, and that is deal with a really challenging piece, a really mature piece, and get the experience of finding characters that are dealing with real-life problems,” co-...

Algonquin was one of ten schools in Massachusetts to receive National Banner Recognition from Special Olympics. The award recognized the school for its inclusivity and the opportunities they offer students of all abilities through organizations such as unified sports, unified choir, the DECA unified program and Best Buddies.  According to science teacher and Best Buddies adviser Kevin Hausmann, this distinct...